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Michael Roberts, chief executive of the Association of Train Operating Companies, said: “The Government needs to grip the issues that led to the cancellation of the West Coast franchise competition.”

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “The NAO has made a number of recommendations that mirror many of the findings of the Laidlaw Inquiry in terms of the work we need to do to strengthen our organisation and the structures within it.

“I am pleased to say that we are already taking swift action on this front and I believe the plans we are putting in place to ensure future franchise competitions are conducted on the basis of sound planning, the rigorous identification and oversight of risk, and the right quality assurance, will prevent a repeat of these lamentable failures.”

Carlisle MP John Stevenson said he was “delighted” that the West Coast Mainline would stay with Virgin.